Merc’s mini SUV misses the mark
■
REMEMBER Elkgate?
In 1997 the then new Mercedesbenz A-class failed the famous elk test, in which the car was asked to swerve round an elk.
It failed spectacularly. Mercedes fixed the problem and the A-class went on to be a huge success. And it was deserved as a triumph of clever packaging and tidy styling.
Who would have thought that 23 years later Mercedes-benz would have spun off no fewer than seven different cars off the current A-class platform?
Among them, four-door coupes (CLA) and the hugely successful GLA crossover, of which the company has sold a million since its 2013 launch.
I never liked the GLA. Didn’t like the way it drove, didn’t like its looks. I’m no great fan of SUVS or crossovers but if you’re going to make one, at least have it look like an SUV.
The GLA came across as an A-class hatchback that had been inflated – then got a slow puncture.
We’re testing the latest, totally new GLA based on the A-class that was launched a couple of years ago.
The proportions seem much improved. It is 10cm taller than the old GLA but 15mm shorter.
This gives it a more recognisable SUV stance. Big improvement but I still wouldn’t call the latest GLA stylish or distinctive. Bland is probably an accurate description.
Writing that makes me think I may
Mercedes-benz GLA 220d AMG Line Premium
REAR MIRROR MONSTER: Looks better as a full AMG model.
BACKSIDE BEAUTY: Looks more like an SUV than the last one.
PLAYTIME PLEASER: New 8-speed gearbox.
NAUGHTY NIGGLES: Cheaper
have been a bit harsh in my criticism of another recently launched Mercedes-benz crossover – the GLB.
Despite the B, the GLB is also based on the current A-class platform and is a close relative to the GLA.
While it has seven seats it’s not that far adrift in price.
Distinctive
But I’m straying from the point. The GLB looks a bit like Postman Pat’s van but it is distinctive and has its own identity – unlike this GLA.
Four different engines are available for the cooking cars, with hot AMG versions GLA35 and GLA45 on their way, as is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s currently fitted to the A250e hatchback.
Two are petrols of 1.3-litres and 2.0-litres fitted respectively to the GLA200 and GLA250, and two are diesels in the GLA200D and GLA220D. The petrol models are only two-wheel drive whereas the GLA220D is fourwheel drive and the GLA200D can be ones lose out on the super 10.25in screens.
TASTY TOUCHES: The voice command system tended to work.
FAST OR LAST: Fast enough for me, but if not for you see the GLA45.
WONGA WONDER: Other crossovers are better value, including one of Merc’s.
if you add £1,600 to the bill. It’s the GLA220D we’re testing and it’s one that’s almost at the top of the range.
The joining fee to the GLA club is £33,000 for the GLA200 in Sport trim. Next up is Sport Executive then AMG Line and AMG Line Premium. The latter is the trim level of our car and for that you’re talking £41,430. Surprisingly for a test car it’s modestly optioned with only metallic paint adding £595 to the final price.
The GLA220D’S 2.0-litre diesel offers 190bhp to propel the car from 0-62mph in 7.3sec.
More importantly the old sevenspeed automatic transmission (no GLA is available as a manual) has been replaced by the excellent eight-speed version that is smooth changing and almost always in the right gear.
The AMG Line has “lowered comfort suspension”. Presumably it is a way of hinting at sportiness while
reassuring customers that they’re not buying a boneshaker.
They aren’t, but there’s no question that the car would be better with more compliant suspension as the ride is choppy over potholes at low speed. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed driving the GLA220D, much more so than its predecessor.
This trim level also brings with it Merc’s excellent 10.25in screens – one for infotainment and the other for instruments. Lesser models come standard with 7in displays.
The tech works well, including the voice activation “Hey Mercedes” which understands most commands. The quality is excellent and hard plastics well hidden.
There’s more space inside the new GLA and adults will be much more comfortable in the back.
Spacious
But you may be disappointed by a 435-litre boot that is smaller than many of its rivals. And than the GLB. The new GLA is a big improvement. Better to look at and to drive, more spacious inside and equipped with the A-class hatchback’s excellent infotainment suite. You get more driver assistance systems too, much of it worthwhile.
A better car but still one that doesn’t measure up to its rivals in key areas.
If you’re a Merc loyalist, I’d strongly suggest a quick look at the GLB before you sign up for a new GLA.